GE "44-Tonner" Locomotives: Roster, Specs, History
Last revised: January 2, 2025
By: Adam Burns
General Electric's 44-tonner was the builder's most well-known in its early line of industrial switchers with more than 400 produced between 1940-1957.
This compact workhorse was originally designed to comply with the "90,000 Pound Rule" of the time, which exempted railroads from requiring a full-time fireman for any locomotive weighing less than 45 tons.
This model was powered by two Caterpillar D17000 V8 diesel engines, providing a top speed of 35 mph. Despite its small size, the 44-tonner was known for its robust performance and durability and was often used for light-duty switching and yard work.
A total of 373 units were produced in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico making it a successful model for General Electric. In addition, another 60 were built for the military and 43 more exported to other countries.
Its historic impact can still be seen today, with several units preserved in museums and others continuing to operate in industrial and shortline service.
Photos
Middletown & New Jersey 44-tonner #2 and its crew pose for a photo at the railroad's little engine house in Middletown, New York; January, 1977. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.Early Switchers
GE's involvement with the railroad industry dates back to the 19th century and it helped construct very early diesel switchers. In fact, the company is credited - alongside Ingersoll-Rand and Alco - in developing "the first commercial diesel-electic locomotive in the United States" in Jay Street Connecting boxcab #4 in October, 1918.
Long before the company began producing a successful line of road-switchers it had built an equally sucessful line of small switchers, aimed at both industrial and general railroad applications.
In his book, "Critters, Dinkys & Centercabs," author Jay Reed notes GE's first was the 25-ton model in 1938. Ultimately, the company built a wide-range of such locomotives in both end-cab and center-cab configurations ranging from 4 tons to 144 tons.
The 44-ton was, without question, its most successful and could be found in all types of service - from industrial settings to large Class 1 carriers. They proved a perfect little locomotive for almost anything.
Development
As Brian Solomon notes in his book, "GE Locomotives," the 44-tonner was developed specifically to avoid the "90,000 Pound Rule," part of a 1937 labor agreement aimed at protecting the firemen's job with any diesel weighing at least 45 tons.
The switcher featured a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing carbody while also providing ruggedness and reliability. The centercab carbody sported a raised cab with a tapered hood at each end.
In his book, "Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia - Volume 2," author Bob Hayden notes their B-B trucks were an all-welded design, somewhat unique as most were produced from castings.
They were 33 feet, 5 inches long with the original variants utilizing a pair of Caterpillar D-17000 V-8 engines. These were initially rated at 150 hp each and were later upgraded to as much as 190 hp each.
In addition, Louis Marre notes in his book, "Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years," ten 44-tonners were equipped with a pair of Buda 6DH1742 engines capable of producing 205 horsepower each.
Finally, the Phase IV and Phase V switchers boasted 400 horsepower. Of the 373 44-tonners produced in North America and Mexico, the Pennsylvania wound up with the largest fleet totaling 46 units.
Reception
Interestingly, GE had always intended these switchers to operate in general common-carrier service merely by how they were designed.
However, numerous private industries snapped up the model thanks to its modest horsepower, generally light weight, rugged traction motors, and short wheelbase allowing it to negotiate tight clearances and track curvature with a radius of 50 feet.
Alexander Railroad 44-tonner #3 heads east through Stony Point, NC with six boxcars and two loads of pulpwood bound for the Southern Railway interchange in Statesville during a fall afternoon in the 1960's. The little short line remains active today. Warren Calloway photo.Phases
During its sixteen year production run, the switcher went through a number of changes and upgrades. The very first 44-tonner produced was Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #9103, delivered to the railroad on September 4, 1940.
Phase I
The Phase I group included 79 locomotives built through October, 1942. They included radiator louvers situated near the end of both hoods with access ladder centered over the forward left truck.
Phase II
These included a total of 43 units built between December, 1942 and May, 1943. GE made two notable changes; the radiator shutters were moved to the hood ends and access ladders located along all four corners of the frame.
Phase III
A total of 34 locomotives were produced in this particular phase between November, 1943 and June, 1945. This version is a bit harder to differentiate; its particular nuances included sets of "French doors" on the 'long' hoods rather than single-panel access doors. In addition, the access doors under the cab are larger.
Phase IV
This constituted the largest single group totaling 171 units in all. Production overlapped Phase III examples, running from March, 1945 through September, 1951.
Their single variation was the small rectangular air intake at the top of the hood. Finally, 62 in the series were rated at 400 horsepower instead of the then-standard 380 horsepower.
Phase V
This group was produced between November, 1951 and October, 1956 totaling 43 units. They featured two notable distinctions, rectangular instead of rounded headlight casings and stiffening ridges stamped into the hood doors.
Of note was the final four examples in this series which were equipped with six-cylinder, Caterpillar model 342 engines capable of producing 200 horsepower each. The final example was Dansville & Mount Morris #1, completed in October, 1956.
Production Roster
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Serial Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Railroad | 2 | 1 | 28502 | 7/1946 |
| Almanor Railroad | 106 | 1 | 28340 | 12/1946 |
| Amador Central | 8 | 1 | 27980 | 5/1945 |
| Arcade & Attica | 110 | 1 | 12947 | 6/1941 |
| Arcade & Attica | 111 | 1 | 28346 | 4/1947 |
| Arkansas Valley | 92, 93 | 2 | 12912, 12913 | 9/1940 |
| Aroostook Valley | 10, 11 | 2 | 27799, 27800 | 6/1945 |
| Aroostook Valley | 12 | 1 | 30246 | 9/1949 |
| Santa Fe | 460, 461 | 2 | 15760, 15761 | 12/1942 |
| Santa Fe | 462 | 1 | 17927 | 7/1943 |
| Santa Fe | 463 - 468 | 6 | 18151 - 18156 | 12/1943 |
| Atlantic & East Carolina | 7 | 1 | 15766 | 2/1943 |
| Atlantic & East Carolina | 8 | 1 | 18145 | 11/1943 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 19, 20 | 2 | 30470, 30471 | 9/1950, 10/1950 |
| Bath & Hammondsport | D-1 | 1 | 30250 | 9/1949 |
| Beaumont, Sour Lake & Western (Missouri Pacific) | 815 | 1 | 13181 | 1/1942 |
| Birmingham Southeastern | 199 | 1 | 31229 | 5/1953 |
| Boston & Maine | 110-112 | 3 | 12915-12917 | 11/1940 |
| Boston & Maine | 113 | 1 | 12943 | 11/1940 |
| Boston & Maine | 114-116 | 3 | 13092-13094 | 7/1941 |
| Boston & Maine | 117 | 1 | 15036 | 8/1942 |
| Boston & Maine | 118, 119 | 2 | 29076, 29974 | 12/1947, 6/1948 |
| Boyne City Railroad | 70 | 1 | 30472 | 9/1950 |
| Calco Chemical Division - American Cyanamid | 5 | 1 | 28342 | 2/1947 |
| Camino, Placerville & Lake Tahoe | 101 | 1 | 31231 | 6/1953 |
| Carnegie-Illinois Steel | 5 | 1 | 17929 | 7/1943 |
| Carnegie-Illinois Steel | 443 | 1 | 15755 | 12/1942 |
| Central California Traction | 25 | 1 | 28339 | 12/1946 |
| Central California Traction | 26 | 1 | 28333 | 11/1946 |
| Central Warehouse Company | No Number | 1 | 31115 | 7/1951 |
| Chattanooga Traction Company | 1, 2 | 2 | 13014, 13015 | 4/1941 |
| Chattanooga Traction Company | 3 | 1 | 18159 | 1/1944 |
| Chicago ,Burlington & Quincy | 9103 | 1 | 12908 | 9/1940 |
| Chicago ,Burlington & Quincy | 9104-9107 | 4 | 12949-12952 | 2/1941-3/1941 |
| Milwaukee Road | 1690 | 1 | 12909 | 9/1940 |
| Milwaukee Road | 1700, 1701 | 2 | 15039, 15040 | 11/1941 |
| Colorado Fuel & Iron (36" Gauge) | 1 | 1 | 12953 | 10/1940 |
| Colorado Fuel & Iron (36" Gauge) | 2 | 1 | 29196 | 6/1947 |
| Colorado Fuel & Iron [36" Gauge] | 21, 22 | 2 | 32970, 32971 | 5/1957 |
| Coudersport & Port Allegheny | D-1 | 1 | 28503 | 8/1946 |
| Coudersport & Port Allegheny | D-2 | 1 | 30850 | 12/1950 |
| Dansville & Mount Morris | 1 | 1 | 32664 | 10/1956 |
| Delaware, Lackawanna & Western | 51-53 | 3 | 29986-29988 | 10/1948-11/1948 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 38 | 1 | 13096 | 8/1941 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 39 | 1 | 15123 | 9/1942 |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western | 40-43 | 4 | 15127 - 15130 | 9/1942-10/1942 |
| Electric Energy, Inc. | 1-3 | 3 | 31218-31220 | 11/1951 |
| Erie | 26 | 1 | 28504 | 9/1946 |
| Fernwood, Columbia & Gulf | D-1 - D-3 | 3 | 18195 - 18197 | 3-4/1945 |
| Fernwood, Columbia & Gulf | D-4 | 1 | 28347 | 4/1947 |
| Fibreboard Products, Inc. | 1 | 1 | 29071 | 10/1947 |
| General Electric (Demonstrator) | 1950 | 1 | 30257 | 3/1950 |
| Grafton & Upton | 9, 10 | 2 | 28497, 28498 | 7/1946 |
| Granite City Steel | 200 | 1 | 15763 | 12/1942 |
| Great Northern | 5200, 5201 | 2 | 12910, 12911 | 9/1940 |
| Hampton & Branchville | 42, 43 | 2 | 31111, 31112 | 6/1951 |
| Hartwell Railway | 2 | 1 | 30253 | 2/1950 |
| Helena Southwestern | 300 | 1 | 29985 | 10/1948 |
| High Point, Thomasville & Denton | 101 | 1 | 18180 | 10/1944 |
| Hoboken Manufacturers Railroad | 700, 701 | 2 | 29070, 29073 | 11/1947 |
| Illinois Central | 9275 | 1 | 29072 | 11/1947 |
| International-Great Northern (Missouri Pacific) | 812 | 1 | 13178 | 1/1942 |
| Kansas City Power & Light | 5 | 1 | 27797 | 6/1945 |
| Kansas City Power & Light | 6 | 1 | 30248 | 9/1949 |
| Laurinburg & Southern | 100 | 1 | 28495 | 6/1946 |
| Lehigh Valley | 60-62 | 3 | 15033-15035 | 12/1941, 2/1942, 8/1942 |
| Long Island Rail Road | 400 | 1 | 30854 | 12/1950 |
| Lowville & Beaver River | 1947 | 1 | 28345 | 4/1947 |
| Maine Central | 11 | 1 | 13095 | 9/1941 |
| Maine Central | 12 | 1 | 15037 | 8/1942 |
| Maine Central | 13-15 | 3 | 27973-27975 | 5/1945 |
| Maine Central | 16 | 1 | 28488 | 5/1945 |
| Maine Central | 17 | 1 | 28348 | 6/1947 |
| Manistee & Northeastern | 1 | 1 | 28501 | 8/1946 |
| Middletown & Unionville | 1 | 1 | 28487 | 4/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | D-149 | 1 | 29994 | 11/1948 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | D-742 | 1 | 15122 | 9/1942 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | D-842 | 1 | 15124 | 8/1942 |
| Minneapolis St. Paul & Soo Ste. Marie (Soo Line) | 330 | 1 | 12944 | 6/1941 |
| Mississippi Export | 44 | 1 | 12914 | 10/1940 |
| Mississippi Export | 45 | 1 | 12945 | 12/1940 |
| Missouri & Illinois Bridge & Belt | 100 | 1 | 15024 | 8/1941 |
| Missouri Pacific | 800, 801 | 2 | 12974, 12975 | 2/1941 |
| Missouri Pacific | 811 | 1 | 13177 | 1/1942 |
| Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis | 100-103 | 4 | 30460-30463 | 6/1950-7/1950 |
| Nelson & Albermarle Railroad | 1 | 1 | 30856 | 1/1951 |
| New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) | 90 | 1 | 30249 | 9/1949 |
| New York, New Haven & Hartford | 0800 | 1 | 12946 | 1/1941 |
| New York, New Haven & Hartford | 0801, 0802 | 2 | 13097, 13101 | 9/1941 |
| New York, New Haven & Hartford | 0803-0805 | 3 | 13025 - 13027 | 11/1941 |
| New York, New Haven & Hartford | 0806 | 1 | 13100 | 12/1941 |
| New York, New Haven & Hartford | 0807-0811 | 5 | 18184 - 18188 | 2-3/1945 |
| New York, New Haven & Hartford | 0812-0815 | 4 | 18190-18193 | 3/1945 |
| New York, New Haven & Hartford | 0816 | 1 | 27794 | 6/1945 |
| New York, New Haven & Hartford | 0817, 0818 | 2 | 29080, 29081 | 12/1947 |
| New York, Ontario & Western | 101-105 | 5 | 15028-15032 | 12/1941-1/1942 |
| Northern Pacific | 98 | 1 | 28496 | 6/1946 |
| Northern Pacific | 99 | 1 | 15765 | 3/1943 |
| Omaha, Lincoln & Beatrice | 101 | 1 | 30849 | 12/1950 |
| Pacific Electric Railway | 1650, 1651 | 2 | 17921, 17926 | 6/1943 |
| Pacific Electric Railway | 1652-1654 | 3 | 18181-18183 | 10/1944 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 9312, 9313 | 2 | 29992, 29993 | 3/1949, 2/1949 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 9314-9324 | 11 | 30132-30142 | 3/1949-5/1949 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 9325 - 9327 | 3 | 29077-29079 | 11/1947 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 9328-9340 | 13 | 29961-29973 | 6/1948-10/1948 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 9341-9349 | 9 | 29975-29983 | 10/1948-12/1948 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 9350-9353 | 4 | 30143-30146 | 5/1949 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 9354-9356 | 3 | 30243-30245 | 8/1949 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 9357 | 1 | 30254 | 2/1950 |
| Petaluma & Santa Rosa | 1 | 1 | 28338 | 12/1946 |
| Pine Flat Dam Contractors | 2850, 2851 | 2 | 30464, 30465 | 8/1950 |
| Pine Flat Dam Contractors | 2852 | 1 | 30848 | 12/1950 |
| Pine Flat Dam Contractors | 2853 | 1 | 30473 | 9/1950 |
| Point Comfort & Northern | 2 | 1 | 29990 | 11/1948 |
| Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company | 7 | 1 | 28343 | 3/1947 |
| Quincy Railroad | 3 | 1 | 27819 | 9/1945 |
| St. Louis, Brownsville & Mexico (Missouri Pacific) | 813, 814 | 2 | 13179, 13180 | 2/1942, 1/1942 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) | 4, 5 | 2 | 17922, 17923 | 6/1943 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) | 6 | 1 | 17936 | 8/1943 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) | 7, 8 | 2 | 18157, 18158 | 1/1944 |
| St. Paul Union Depot | 441 | 1 | 12948 | 5/1941 |
| Sacramento Northern | 142, 143 | 2 | 28331, 28332 | 11/1946 |
| Sacramento Northern | 144-146 | 3 | 28334-28336 | 11/1946 |
| San Francisco & Napa Valley | 30, 40 | 2 | 15120, 15121 | 4/1942 |
| San Francisco & Napa Valley | 50 | 1 | 17928 | 8/1943 |
| Sheffield Steel | 5 | 1 | 27560 | 1/1944 |
| Sheffield Steel | 6 | 1 | 18178 | 3/1944 |
| Sheffield Steel | 7 | 1 | 29984 | 9/1948 |
| Sheffield Steel | 8 | 1 | 30247 | 9/1949 |
| Sheffield Steel | 9 | 1 | 30474 | 10/1950 |
| Skaneateles Short Line Railroad | 6 | 1 | 30847 | 12/1950 |
| Southern Pacific | 1900-1902 | 3 | 15114-15116 | 8/1942 |
| Southern Railway | 1950-1953 | 4 | 27822-27825 | 9/1945 |
| Alabama Great Southern (Southern) | 6520 | 1 | 27826 | 10/1945 |
| Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (Southern) | 6010 | 1 | 27828 | 10/1945 |
| New Orleans & North Eastern (Southern) | 6840 | 1 | 27827 | 10/1945 |
| South Carolina State Port Authority | 101 | 1 | 29989 | 1/1949 |
| South Carolina State Port Authority | 102 | 1 | 31113 | 6/1951 |
| Springfield Suburban Railroad | 500, 511 | 2 | 28499, 28500 | 8/1946 |
| Suncook Valley Railroad | 3 | 1 | 31114 | 7/1951 |
| Swift & Company (Phosphate Rock Mine) | 400 | 1 | 27798 | 6/1945 |
| Tidewater Southern | 135 | 1 | 28337 | 11/1946 |
| Union Freight Railroad | 1-5 | 5 | 28490-28494 | 6/1946 |
| Union Pacific | DS1399 | 1 | 28344 | 3/1947 |
| Upper Merion & Plymouth | 56 | 1 | 30252 | 2/1950 |
| Upper Merion & Plymouth | 57 | 1 | 30855 | 12/1950 |
| Upper Merion & Plymouth | 58 | 1 | 31116 | 7/1951 |
| Upper Merion & Plymouth | 59 | 1 | 31232 | 6/1952 |
| Visalia Electric Railway | 501, 502 | 2 | 27817, 27818 | 8/1945 |
| Washington & Old Dominion | 47 | 1 | 15041 | 12/1941 |
| Washington & Old Dominion | 48, 49 | 2 | 15042, 15043 | 8/1942 |
| Western Maryland | 75, 76 | 2 | 17930, 17935 | 7, 8/1943 |
| Winona Railroad | 440, 441 | 2 | 27820, 27821 | 8/1945 |
Canada
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Serial Number | Completion Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada & Gulf Terminal | 355 | 1 | 29991 | 12/1948 | |
| Canadian National | 3-5 | 3 | 32654-32656 | 10/1956 | |
| Canadian National | 7751, 7752 | 2 | 28349, 28350 | 281-4456 | 5/1947 |
| Greater Winnipeg Water District | 100 | 1 | 28486 | 4/1946 | |
| Greater Winnipeg Water District | 101 | 1 | 30251 | 9/1949 | |
| National Harbor Board (Canada) | D-1 | 1 | 28489 | 4/1946 | |
| Thurso & Nation Valley | 4 | 1 | 28485 | 1/1946 |
Export
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Quantity | Serial Number | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Alto Cedro (Cuba) | 3 | 1 | 31221 | 11/1951 |
| Central Alto Cedro (Cuba) | 3 (2nd) | 1 | 31222 | 11/1951 |
| Central Patria (Cuba) | 1 (2nd) | 1 | 31223 | 12/1951 |
| F.C. Cubano Hershey (Cuba) | 16-18 | 3 | 31226-31228 | 3/1952 |
| United Fruit Sugar Company (Central Boston) - Cuba | 123, 124 | 2 | 30468, 30469 | 9/1950 |
| United Fruit Sugar Company (Central Preston) - Cuba | 24, 25 | 2 | 30466, 30467 | 9/1950 |
| Central Rio Haina (Dominican Republic) | 1 | 1 | 31230 | 4/1952 |
| Sidérurgique de Nord de La France (France) | 57, 58 | 2 | 31106, 31107 | 3/1951 |
| Sidérurgique de Nord de La France (France) | 59 | 1 | 30629 | 9/1950 |
| Sidérurgique de Nord de La France (France) | 60 | 1 | 30727 | 9/1950 |
| Usimor (France) | 697 | 1 | 32256 | 8/1954 |
| Bharkra Dam Project (66" Gauge) - India | - | 3 | 32067-32069 | 6-7/1953 |
| Secretarias Comunicaciones de Obras Publicas (SCOP) - Mexico | 23022 | 1 | 15756 | 12/1942 |
| Secretarias Comunicaciones de Obras Publicas (SCOP) - Mexico | 23023 | 1 | 27795 | 6/1945 |
| Secretarias Comunicaciones de Obras Publicas (SCOP) - Mexico | 23024 | 1 | 27801 | 7/1945 |
| Secretarias Comunicaciones de Obras Publicas (SCOP) - Mexico | 23025 | 1 | 27816 | 7/1945 |
| Secretarias Comunicaciones de Obras Publicas (SCOP) - Mexico | 23026 | 1 | 27796 | 6/1945 |
| Secretarias Comunicaciones de Obras Publicas (SCOP) - Mexico | 24400 | 1 | 29075 | 11/1947 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | A11x52 | 1 | 28341 | 2/1947 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | A11x53 | 1 | 29074 | 11/1947 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | 103, 104 | 2 | 30255, 30256 | 3/1950 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | 105 | 1 | 31117 | 8/1951 |
| Stora Kopparberg Iron Mines (Sweden) | 10 | 1 | 29960 | 6/1948 |
| Trinidad Government Railways (Trinidad) | 54, 55 | 2 | 32070, 32071 | 12/1953 |
| Administración de Ferrocarriles del Estado (Uruguay) | 401-403 | 3 | 31118-31120 | 9/1951 |
| Administración de Ferrocarriles del Estado (Uruguay) | 404-410 | 7 | 32135-32141 | 4/1954 |
Data Sheet and Specifications
| Entered Production | 9/1940 (Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #9103) |
| Years Produced | 9/1940 - 10/1956 |
| Engine | D17000 (2) |
| Engine Builder | Caterpillar |
| Horsepower | 350-400 |
| RPM | 1000 |
| Bore and Stroke | 5 ¾" x 8" |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Length | 33' 5" |
| Height (Top Of Rail To Top Of Cab) | 13' 3" |
| Width | 10' 1" |
| Weight | 88,000-89,000 Lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 Gallons |
| Air Brake Manufacturer | Westinghouse |
| Air Brake Schedule | 14EL |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Welded |
| Truck Wheelbase | 6' 10" |
| Wheel Size | 33" |
| Traction Motors | 733 (4), GE |
| Primary Generator | GT-555 (2 |
| Auxiliary Generator | GMG-140 (2) |
| MU (Multiple-Unit) | Yes |
| Dynamic Brakes | No |
| Gear Ratio | 11.25:1 |
| Tractive Effort (Starting) | 26,400 Lbs at 30% |
| Tractive Effort (Continuous) | 13,000 Lbs at 12 mph |
| Top Speed | 35 mph |
Military Variants
The military was a big buyer of diesel switchers from nearly all of the major manufacturers. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army both acquired 44-tonners. The former's were Phase V examples and included fourteen units that were two feet shorter to meet loading limits.
Finally, the latter's were even more interesting. The Army acquired 46 examples with a lower cab to meet height clearances in foreign countries. They also sported an oversized equipment box near the cab and typical foreign components like buffers and screw couplings. Interestingly, they weighed in at 45 tons despite their "44 ton" rating.
Sources
- Hayden, Bob. Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia, Volume 2 (Model Railroader). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1980.
- General Electric, Apparatus Department. 380-HP, 44-Ton Diesel Electric Railroad Locomotive: For Yard Switching and Road Service. Schenectady: 1947.
- Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
- Rail Heritage Publications. Early Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives. Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation, 1983.
- Reed, Jay. Critters, Dinkys & Centercabs. Whittier: Rio Hondo, 2000.
- Solomon, Brian. GE Locomotives: 110 Years Of General Electric Motive Power. St. Paul: MBI Publishing, 2003.
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Railroad Tycoons List (USA): Men Of The Gilded Age (1800s)
Aug 10, 26 05:54 PM
Railroad tycoons, moguls, and barons were titans of 19th and early 20th century American commerce who laid the foundation of the modern industry we know today. -
Fallen Flags: The Classic American Railroad
Aug 10, 26 04:42 PM
Featured here are detailed histories of more than 100 classic railroads, or "fallen flags," from the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad to the small Monon. -
Railroad History (USA): Facts, Timeline, Definition
Aug 10, 26 04:18 PM
Interested in learning much more about out nation's rail history as well who invented the iron horse and when? Find it all here. -
Steam Locomotives (USA): Invention, History, Types
Aug 10, 26 04:08 PM
The classic iron horse, steam locomotives are legendary machines that still hold awe over the general public today. -
Streamliners (Trains): History, Timetables, Schedules
Aug 10, 26 03:45 PM
Read about many of the most well known streamliners here and why the period of the 1930s to 1960s is often considered the "Silver Age" of rail travel. -
Michigan -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:35 PM
While the term 'wild west' often conjures up images of dusty plains and expansive deserts, Michigan offers its own unique take on this thrilling period of history. -
Wisconsin -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:11 PM
Through a unique blend of interactive entertainment and historical reverence, Wisconsin offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Wild West train rides. -
Florida -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:00 PM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
New York -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 12:16 PM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
Florida Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 12:02 PM
A Florida train rides guide, including all known railroad museums to visit within the state. Learn more about them here. -
Michigan Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:53 AM
There is no better way to experience the Great Lakes State's countryside than on the railroad. Michigan train rides offer visitors much to experience. -
Ohio Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:05 AM
Most of the Ohio train rides available to the public are small in nature. However, the state is home to the very popular Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Byesville Scenic, and Hocking Valley Scenic. -
New York Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:03 AM
New York scenic train rides offer about everything you can imagine from steam locomotives to long dinner train rides. -
California -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 10:40 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Vermont -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 09:57 AM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
Short Line Railroads (Class 3): List, Revenue, Definition
Aug 10, 26 09:02 AM
A close-up look at several Class III railroads, or "short lines." These systems are in vastly greater numbers today as Class Is continue to shed trackage. -
Class 2 "Regional" Railroads: Definition, List, Statistics
Aug 10, 26 12:21 AM
Class II railroads, also referred to as "regionals," are the second-largest such companies within the industry. The information here covers most of these lines. -
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC): History, Network, Overview
Aug 10, 26 12:00 AM
The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Railway is a new Class I carrier in 2021 resulting from the Canadian Pacific/Kansas City Southern merger. Learn more here. -
Class 1 Railroads (USA): Revenue, Statistics, Overview
Aug 09, 26 10:57 PM
In railroad jargon, Class 1 refers to the largest companies in the industry and all six in North America are highlighted here. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 03:02 PM
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado is a year-round scenic dining railroad whose fall value is the canyon itself: roughly a two-hour out-and-back through the Royal Gorge with granit… -
Huckleberry Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 02:35 PM
The Huckleberry Railroad at Crossroads Village (Genesee County Parks, near Flint, Michigan) is a family autumn destination: three-foot-gauge steam (when scheduled) looping wooded Genesee County countr… -
French Lick Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 02:17 PM
The French Lick Scenic Railway in French Lick, Indiana is the southern Indiana foliage train to watch: scenic excursions of about 90 minutes through hills and forests, departing the historic 1907 lime… -
California -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:56 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:53 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Georgia -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:52 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West.
